Looking for the perfect fish name? Whether your pet fish is playful, colorful, or mysterious, giving it a fitting name can add personality to your tank. This list of over 300 fish names includes options for every type of aquarium fish—from bettas and goldfish to shrimp and plecos. We’ve also grouped names by species, color, personality, and even pop culture references to make naming your aquatic buddy fun and easy.
How to Choose the Right Name for Your Fish
The best fish name is one that feels right to you, but here are some helpful tips:
- Match the name to your fish’s species, size, or behavior.
- Consider unique traits like color or swimming style.
- Let kids or family members help for added fun.
- Keep it short and easy to say.
Fish Names by Species
Betta Fish Names
Male Bettas: Blaze, Spike, Zeus, Neptune, Tango, Phantom, Jet, Draco, Thor, Sonic, Ace, Ash, Mako, Nitro, Storm, Flash, Leo, Jett, Bandit, Shadow.
Female Bettas: Pearl, Bella, Luna, Ruby, Dottie, Misty, Aqua, Ivy, Nova, Skye, Roxy, Cleo, Tilly, Ember, Jewel, Breeze, Mocha, Zara, Stella, Opal.
Gender-Neutral: Sushi, Finley, River, Splash, Marble, Orbit, Reef, Comet, Skyler, Gizmo.
Goldfish Names
Bubbles, Goldie, Nugget, Sunny, Flash, Daffodil, Buttercup, Blaze, Rusty, Mango, Glow, Caramel, Peaches, Flame, Ducky, Penny, Gleam, Aurora, Sunrise, Waffles, Gingersnap, Zest, Amber, Treasure, Ember, Simba, Brandy, Lemon, Ginger, Shine
Guppy Names
Milo, Ziggy, Skittles, Pixie, Tiki, Blue, Zip, Mango, Bean, Coco, Stripe, Glitter, Sprout, Spot, Buzz, Nemo, Twinkle, Moxie, Jellybean, Popcorn, Dash, Marble, Halo, Blaze, Wink
Cichlid Names
Titan, Rex, Diesel, Spike, Rocko, King, Goliath, Hulk, Luna, Athena, Rogue, Maximus, Brutus, Draco, Queenie, Thorin, Shadow, Onyx, Rumble, Jinx
Shrimp, Snail & Pleco Names
Peppy, Munchkin, Dot, Slide, Twirl, Zipper, Yoda, Shellby, Tiny, Turbo, Clinger, Swirl, Bean, Pop, Scoot
Funny Fish Names
Sushi, Fish Stick, Gillbert, Swim Shady, Sir Swims-a-Lot, Fin Diesel, Guppuccino, Tuna Turner, Bait, Fishface, Gilligan, Shrimp Scampi, Codzilla, Clowny, Wiggles, Mr. Bubbles, Tank Sinatra, Crayon, Blub Blub, Wigglytuff, Bubblegum, Captain Fins, Splashy, Dory Jr., Ceviche, Grouper, Lure, Waffle, Smolt, Chomper, Swish
Cute Fish Names
Pebbles, Tiny, Cupcake, Tinker, Snuggles, Bubbles, Gummy, Doodle, Fluffy, Twinkie, Muffin, Cotton, Niblet, Pudding, Lulu, Sunny, Sparkle, Taffy, Buttercup, Pip, Toffee, Noodle, Flicker, Poppy, Dolly, Tootsie, Wiggly, Rosie, Biscuit, Nuzzle, Lil Fin
Cool & Unique Fish Names
Neptune, Cosmo, Zephyr, Lyric, Frost, Blaze, Orion, Juno, Zenith, Calypso, Aero, Lux, Storm, Nova, Drift, Cyan, Zuko, Aria, Hex, Starlord, Indigo, Delta, Pixel, Spire, Pyro, Chrome, Mirage, Pulse, Cloud, Titan, Astra
Fish Names by Color
Blue Fish Names
Sapphire, Blueberry, Sky, Indigo, Aqua, Ocean, Wave, Smurf, Mist, Frostbite, Ice, Rain, Bluebell, Azure, Teal, Crystal, Neptune, Bubbles, Glacier, Arctic
Red Fish Names
Ruby, Flame, Cherry, Crimson, Scarlet, Lava, Poppy, Blaze, Ember, Rose, Chili, Sizzle, Berry, Firecracker, Mars, Paprika, Blood, Cider, Valentine, Garnet
Yellow & Gold Fish Names
Sunny, Dandelion, Goldie, Nugget, Buttercup, Honey, Lemon, Zest, Midas, Mustard, Blaze, Daffodil, Glow, Pika, Sunbeam, Banana, Apricot, Sunrise, Toffee, Glint
Black & White Fish Names
Oreo, Domino, Panda, Shadow, Ink, Marble, Checkers, Tux, Zorro, Speckle, Midnight, Moon, Pearl, Smudge, Dusty, Eclipse, Onyx, Fog, Phantom, YinYang
Fish Names for Pairs or Groups
- Salt & Pepper
- Zig & Zag
- Yin & Yang
- Nemo & Dory
- Surf & Turf
- Bubble & Squeak
- Splash & Dash
- Chip & Dip
- Snap & Crackle
- Pickle & Pea
- Sugar & Spice
- Lilo & Stitch
- Mango & Tango
- Pebble & Rock
- Splat & Slosh
- Coral & Reef
- Tick & Tock
- Blink & Glint
- Mist & Storm
- Fin & Gill
Pop Culture Fish Names
Dory, Flounder, Nemo, Bruce, Marlin, Ariel, Ursula, Crush, Squirt, Godzilla, Aquaman, Meg, Donatello, Jaws, Bubbles (Powerpuff), SpongeBob, Patrick, King Triton, Moby, Fish Mooney
Fish Names by Personality
Shy: Whisper, Shadow, Hush, Bubbles, Puff
Bold: Blaze, Tank, Zorro, Titan, Queenie
Playful: Wiggles, Ziggy, Skip, Flip, Dizzy
Graceful: Glimmer, Swan, Luna, Serene, Flow
Fast: Jet, Dash, Sonic, Rocket, Vroom
➡ Related: Red Tail Shark Tank Mates
Fish Names for Kids
Bubbles, Finny, Wiggle, Tilly, Dotty, Swishy, Cookie, Jelly, Pip, Tink, Sprout, Zippy, Fluffy, Lulu, Niblet, Star, Wigglebutt, Noodle, Jumpy, Skip
FAQs
What’s the most popular fish name?
Bubbles and Goldie are some of the most loved fish names worldwide.
Can fish recognize their names?
Not in the same way as dogs, but some fish do respond to familiar sounds or voices.
Should I name my fish if I have more than one?
Yes! Naming them helps you connect and even track behaviors.
Is it weird to name a fish after food?
Not at all—funny food-based names like Sushi and Tuna are super popular!
Final Thoughts:
With over 300 fish names in this list, we hope you’ve found the perfect fit for your aquatic friend. From colorful guppies to quirky plecos, a fun name makes fishkeeping even more enjoyable.
 **2. Platy** Platies are hardy and easygoing. They enjoy swimming in groups and come in a variety of bright colors. Great for peaceful community tanks. ➡️ [Platy Fish Guide →](#) **3. Zebra Danio** Known for their energy and toughness, zebra danios are perfect for cycling new tanks. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and like to dart around in groups. ➡️ [Zebra Danio Guide →](#) **4. Corydoras Catfish** Peaceful bottom-dwellers that help keep your tank clean. Keep them in groups of 3 or more and give them soft substrate. ➡️ [Cory Catfish Care →](#) **5. Molly** Adaptable to various water conditions (even brackish), mollies are lively and great for community aquariums. ➡️ [Molly Fish Care Guide →](#) **6. Swordtail** Easy to care for and great in peaceful groups. Males have a signature sword-like tail and love swimming space. ➡️ [Swordtail Fish Guide →](#) **7. Betta Fish** Low-maintenance and visually stunning. Best kept alone or with very peaceful tank mates like snails or Corydoras. ➡️ [Full Betta Fish Care Guide →](#) **8. Neon Tetra** Small and peaceful, neon tetras love to school and light up a planted tank. Keep them in groups of 6 or more. ➡️ [Neon Tetra Care Guide →](https://oceanbitez.com/neon-tetras/) **9. Harlequin Rasbora** A calm and schooling species that fits right into community setups. Easy to feed and care for. ➡️ [Harlequin Rasbora Guide →](#) **10. Dwarf Gourami** A gentle and colorful addition to a beginner’s tank. Likes planted environments and peaceful neighbors. ➡️ [Dwarf Gourami Guide →](#) **11. White Cloud Mountain Minnow** Can live in cooler temperatures and is perfect for unheated tanks. Small, peaceful, and easy to care for. ➡️ [White Cloud Minnow Guide →](#) **12. Cherry Barb** Peaceful and social, cherry barbs do well in planted tanks and enjoy being in small groups. ➡️ [Cherry Barb Care →](#) --- ### Sample Beginner Tank Combos **Combo 1: 10–15 Gallon Easy Starter** * 4–6 Guppies * 3 Corydoras Catfish * 1 Nerite Snail **Combo 2: 20 Gallon Planted Community** * 6 Harlequin Rasboras * 6 Neon Tetras * 1 Dwarf Gourami * 3 Otocinclus (optional if algae control is needed) --- ### Beginner Tips for a Successful Aquarium * Cycle your tank before adding fish (ammonia → nitrite → nitrate) * Start with hardy species before delicate ones * Feed small amounts once or twice daily * Do weekly partial water changes (20–30%) * Don’t mix aggressive or fin-nipping species * Use a heater for tropical fish (75–80°F) --- ### Final Thoughts These beginner fish are ideal for getting started in the hobby without frustration. They're low-maintenance, compatible, and fun to watch. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore more advanced species and community combinations. ➡️ Check out our full guide to [Freshwater Aquarium Fish →](https://oceanbitez.com/freshwater-fish/)](https://oceanbitez.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Freshwater-Fish-for-Your-Aquarium-1024x640.webp)